Armed with GPS units, teams, will “race” by attempting to complete a series of challenges located on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Teams will be given a set of coordinates for a specific location which they will find using a handheld GPS unit.  Once at that location, teams must work together to complete a task. When that task is successfully completed, teams will receive the next set of coordinates for the next location. Those who finish all tasks and arrive at the finish first, win!

Sound like fun? You may bring your own GPS unit or borrow one for the day. The event will begin at the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center located at 7071 Riverview Rd, Thomson, IL 61285. Prior to the race, we will hold an introductory GPS course at 9:00 a.m. to learn how to use the unit. The race will then begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude around 1:00 pm.

Registration is required for the race! A team is comprised of a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 6. Teams will be driving and walking to get to their designations.

Registration deadline is August 11th. Call 815-273-2732 ext. 116 or email pam_steinhaus@fws.gov to register or receive more information. There is no cost to enter and is open to all ages.

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is sponsoring free smartphone photography workshops for all ages that are new to the smartphone technology. Workshops will be held at the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center on  July 13, 23; August 27 and September 24, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.  Participants will learn basic photography principles, useful camera accessories and photo-editing apps to create unique and amazing photographs. Pick a date and join us for this fun workshop.

We are adding an additional class on Wednesday, August 24 from 9 – Noon.

Each participant will need to bring a fully charged smartphone and charger. Space is limited to 10; please contact Pam Steinhaus at 815-273-2732, ext 116 for further information and to register for the workshop.  The Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center is located at 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson, IL.